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The Ebb and Flow of Ceiling Fans

In winter and summer alike, a ceiling fan is the best way to create healthy air flow in your home. They also save you money on your heating and cooling bill, since you can get the cooler or warmer air where you want it, when you want it, simply by reversing the direction of the blade rotation.

Ceiling fans have been keeping area residents cool since the 1860s. Of course, back then they weren’t powered by an electric motor. Instead, they drew their power from a stream of running water that ran through the turbine, driving a system of belts that turned the two-blade fan units. Since then, technology and design have come together to supply modern consumers with an abundance of solid options.

How to Choose Your Ceiling Fan

For those who have never shopped around for ceiling fans Toronto, you may be surprised to learn just how many styles there are. It’s important to know your options, because each one functions differently and varies in terms of things like energy efficiency, speed, and, of course, design functionality.

Here are the main types of Toronto ceiling fans you’ll encounter:

Belt-driven ceiling fans – Much like the ceiling fans that first emerged in the 19th century, these retro-style fans use a similar belt-drive fan system. Unlike its 19th century inspiration though, today’s belt-driven fan relies on electricity rather than water to power its motor.

Cast-iron ceiling fans – Another vintage-inspired fan, this one uses a heavy-duty oil-bath motor. You’ll need to oil this sturdy fan once or twice per year to keep it functioning properly—an effort that can pay off, since many of these devices can function well for 80 years plus.

Direct-drive ceiling fans – This is the most typical style you’ll see in stores. It’s motor is powered by a stationary inner core with a shell that revolves around it (aka a “spinner” motor). These are the cheapest type to produce, and their shelf life reflects it—on the whole, direct drive Toronto ceiling fans are the most likely to make too much noise and fail earlier than expected.

Stack-motor ceiling fans – Using the most energy-efficient motor of the bunch, this type of fan will save you a considerable amount on air conditioning. Its fans are attached to a center hub, called the flywheel, which can be made of either metal or reinforced rubber. The flywheel can then be concealed by mounting it flush with the fan’s motor housing or placed more prominently below the fan’s motor housing.